Well now, if you’re thinkin’ ‘bout gettin’ a kennel for yer Golden Retriever, ya better know that it ain’t as simple as just pickin’ somethin’ up from the store. These dogs, they’re not tiny, so they need a kennel that fits ‘em right, not too small and not too big neither. Let me tell ya a bit more ‘bout it, so you don’t go wastin’ your money or your dog’s comfort.

What Size Kennel Should You Get for a Golden Retriever?
Now, Golden Retrievers, they’re big ol’ dogs, so you gotta make sure the kennel’s big enough for ‘em to move ‘round. A good rule of thumb is that the kennel should be at least twice the length of your dog, and twice the width too. That way, they can stretch out a bit without feelin’ all cramped up. Don’t want your doggy feelin’ all stuffed in there, no sir.
So, if yer dog’s about 2 feet tall, you’ll wanna get somethin’ like a 42-inch kennel. That’s a good size for them. It’s enough space for them to lay down, stand up, and turn around without hittin’ the walls. You don’t wanna get somethin’ too small, but you also don’t wanna get a mansion neither, ‘cause that’ll make ‘em feel lost. A kennel that’s too big can make ‘em feel uneasy, like they ain’t got no safe space to curl up in.
How Big Is a Golden Retriever?
Now, let’s talk about how big a Golden Retriever really gets, so ya can understand why they need such a big kennel. A full-grown Golden Retriever, whether it’s a male or female, is a big ol’ dog. Males usually stand between 23 and 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. Females are a little smaller, about 21.5 to 22.5 inches tall, and they weigh between 55 and 65 pounds. So, these are big dogs, and they need a kennel that can handle all that size.

If your dog is a full-grown adult, that 42-inch kennel will be just fine. But if you’re lookin’ for a kennel for a younger pup, you might need somethin’ smaller at first, then upgrade it when they get bigger. That way, they’re not havin’ to squeeze into a kennel that’s too tight.
How to Measure Your Golden Retriever for the Right Kennel
When pickin’ out a kennel, you gotta know how big your dog is. So, before ya go buyin’ one, get out your tape measure and take a few measurements. Here’s how ya do it:
- First, make sure your dog’s standin’ tall and proud on all fours, not sittin’ down or layin’ down.
- Measure from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail, so you know how long they are.
- Next, measure how tall they are from the ground to the top of their shoulders.
Once ya got them measurements, you can figure out the size of the kennel. The kennel should be long enough for your dog to lay down comfortably without feelin’ all bunched up. And it should be tall enough for ‘em to stand up and turn around with ease.
Why You Need a Big Enough Kennel

If you go too small with the kennel, your dog won’t have enough room to move around, and that can make ‘em feel all confined and upset. Dogs like space, just like people do, and they need room to stretch out. A too-small kennel can also make ‘em feel stressed, and we don’t want that.
But like I said, a kennel that’s too big can be just as bad. They might feel lost in there, like it’s not even their space no more. So, you gotta find the right balance, a kennel big enough for ‘em to be comfortable, but not so big that they feel like it ain’t their home.
Best Size Kennel for Your Golden Retriever
For most Golden Retrievers, a 42-inch kennel is just about perfect. It gives ‘em enough space to lay down, turn around, and even stand up without hittin’ their head. You’ll find that a lot of pet stores recommend the 42-inch kennel for these dogs, and that’s because it works for the majority of ‘em.
Now, don’t go buyin’ a kennel that’s too small just ‘cause it’s cheaper. Think about your dog’s comfort first, and make sure it’s a good fit for their size. If yer dog’s bigger than average, or if they’re an especially tall or heavy Golden Retriever, you might even need to go up to a 48-inch kennel. But for most, 42 inches will do the trick just fine.

Things to Keep in Mind
Before ya buy a kennel, don’t forget to check a couple other things. Make sure the kennel has enough ventilation so your dog doesn’t get too hot or stuffy in there. Also, if you plan on usin’ the kennel for travel, make sure it’s airline-approved, if that’s somethin’ you need. And don’t forget, you want it to be sturdy enough that your dog can’t chew their way out!
Well, that’s about all there is to it. Just make sure you measure your dog, get the right size, and think about their comfort. A happy dog is a good dog, and that starts with makin’ sure they’ve got the right space to relax.
Tags:[Golden Retriever kennel size, dog crate, dog kennel, large dog crate, 42-inch kennel, Golden Retriever care, dog crate buying guide, pet crate size]